Almost two months after California Baptist University (CBU) revealed plans to end its wrestling program, a passionate wave of supporters has surged forward to fight for its survival. Over the years, CBU wrestling has built a proud legacy, earning accolades such as consecutive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) team titles and frequent top-three finishes at the NCAA DII Championships.
The program has also been a launching pad for standout athletes like Joe Fagiano and Jacob Waste, both of whom captured NCAA DII Championship titles.
Parent Dan Morton’s Plea To Save California Baptist University
It’s not just wrestling that is facing the axe at CBU; men’s golf and men’s swim and dive programs will also be cut after the 2025-26 season. The university cited financial concerns, conference realignment to the Big West, and a need for competitive focus in Division I athletics as the reasons for discontinuing these programs.
Many efforts to save the programs have come about since, including from Dan Morton, a father of two boys who competed in and still competes for CBU’s wrestling program.
“For many of you who don’t know, CBU is the only division one wrestling program west of the Mississippi that is also a faith based Christian school. For many young men who not only want to challenge themselves at an elite level, but also want to continue to grow their faith, and the importance of it to them, this opportunity is important. And if we lose this opportunity, we lose a program that grows men not only in the sport of wrestling, but grows them from a faith based component as well.”
Morton emphasized that faith plays a crucial role in shaping young men, underscoring how deeply CBU has influenced his sons’ lives. He expressed hope that the university will find a solution, so future students can also have the chance to represent CBU.
California Baptist University Save Efforts
Leading the charge to save CBU wrestling is alum and three-time Division II All-American Nolan Kistler, who rallied nearly 100 alumni to form the “Keep CBU Wrestling” coalition. Their efforts have already raised over one million dollars through crowdfunding, with a bold goal of reaching twenty million to endow the program. Kistler remains optimistic, believing that with determination, the target is within reach.
So far, the university has not reversed its decision, despite the outpouring of support. Standout sophomores David Alonso and Dylan Guillermo, like many others, now face an uncertain future after the abrupt mid-season news.
